Russell Westbrook‘s likely departure from the nation’s capital doesn’t mean Bradley Beal will follow the former MVP’s path. According to our own Chris Crouse, Beal is still unlikely to request a trade from the Wizards this offseason,
Washington conducted Westbrook trade talks with Beal in mind, creating salary cap flexibility in order to put the right talent around the All-NBA guard, as Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com relayed. Reports on FortyEightMinutes.com have been consistent all offseason: the Wizards are maneuvering as if Beal will remain the franchise cornerstone.
The Wizards are reportedly receiving Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and the No. 22 overall selection in exchange for Westbrook and it appears that the organization is looking to flip some of its assets to pair Beal with yet another All-Star.
https://twitter.com/NBACrouse/status/1420867695118012418
Many may speculate Ben Simmons to be the player as his name has been ever-present on the rumor mill since Philadelphia’s second-round playoff exit. Yet, the Sixers asking price remains steep and it’s tough to see the Wizards make a realistic push to pair Simmons with Beal given the assets they have outside of the shooting guard.
Washington feels it has enough assets to make a substantial offer should a high-level player become available.
“There’s always an opportunity to make a trade if you have enough good young players. I’ve gotten enough inquiries on guys on our roster that makes me feel like ‘hey, we have good players on this roster,’” Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard told FortyEightMinutes and other media on Wednesday.
The Wizards including Rui Hachimura in a trade seems unlikely, though other notable young assets on the roster include Daniel Gafford and last year’s first-round pick, Deni Avdija.
“Daniel Gafford proved to be a valuable addition, soaking up more and more of the front-court minutes as the season winded down and Deni Avdija flashed promise before breaking his leg and missing the remainder of the season.” – Chris Crouse wrote.
